### History of Coronaviruses and Their Impact on Humans Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses in animals and humans. The first human coronavirus was identified in 1965 and was known to cause the common cold. These viruses are named for their crown-like spikes on their surfaces. ### Key Events in Coronavirus History 1. **1965**: First human coronavirus discovered, causing common cold. 2. **2002-2003**: SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak originating in southern China, spreading to 28 countries, infecting over 8,000 people, and causing 774 deaths. 3. **2012**: MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak starting in Saudi Arabia, with nearly 2,500 cases and 858 deaths, primarily affecting the Middle East. 4. **2019**: COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) first identified in Wuhan, China, leading to a global pandemic declared by the World Health Organization in March 2020. As of late 2023, nearly 7 million people have died from COVID-19 worldwide. ### COVID-19 Specifics - **Origin**: The exact origin of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is still under investigation. It is believed to have jumped from animals to humans, possibly at a wet market in Wuhan, China. - **Naming**: The virus is named SARS-CoV-2 due to its genetic similarity to the SARS virus from 2003. The disease it causes is called COVID-19. - **Transmission**: Initially thought to spread from animals to humans, it was soon found to transmit from person to person, leading to widespread infection globally. ### Social Impact The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant social and economic disruptions worldwide. It has also unfortunately resulted in a rise in anti-Asian racism and violence due to the virus's initial identification in China. ### Conclusion Coronaviruses have been a part of human history for decades, causing various respiratory illnesses. The COVID-19 pandemic is the most severe outbreak caused by a coronavirus to date, highlighting the need for global cooperation in managing and preventing infectious diseases.